Document :

ITU-D SG02 RAPPORTEUR GROUP MEETING  Contribution  53

Title :

Operationalising a national artificial intelligence strategy through innovation challenges, regulatory sandboxes and ecosystem coordination: the experience of Zimbabwe

Date :

2026-09-10

Source :

Zimbabwe

AI/Question :

Q5/2

Meeting :

2026-10-07

Access :

Restricted to TIES users [ITU-D]

Abstract :

This contribution presents Zimbabwe's emerging approach to translating its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2026-2030 into coordinated implementation. The approach combines a national ecosystem coordination mechanism, challenge-based innovation, a controlled AI/ML testing environment, milestone-based support and multi-stakeholder participation. It draws on experience from the National Innovation Acceleration Centre, the 2026 AI for Impact (AI4I) Challenge and the AI/ML SandboxHub established by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union.
The contribution identifies practical lessons for developing countries seeking to move from an approved national AI strategy to a pipeline of locally relevant and responsibly governed AI solutions. It proposes that the outputs of Question 5/2 include guidance on institutional coordination, challenge design, regulatory experimentation, local data, responsible AI safeguards, sustainable financing, digital skills and pathways from prototypes to adoption. The contribution is intended to support developing countries seeking to convert national AI strategies into inclusive, sustainable and development-oriented implementation programmes.